If embroidery conjures up visions of grandma's furniture or knick-knacks peppering the homes of the less fashion-minded set, it's time to revaluate what it means to appreciate the handiwork of a truly beautiful art form. We first saw a smattering of embroidery on fall runways, then Sass & Bide, Dolce & Gabbana and Jonathan Saunders ushered in what would become a full blown trend for Spring 2014. While there are gardens and bouquets hand sewn on to tops, skirts and dresses, you'll be happy to see that it's not all flora and sunshine. Some of these pieces use abstract designs for a sexy rock 'n' roll vibe.

In case you're not convinced, consider this: embroidery allows us to indulge in embellishments without being forced into day or night dressing. While sequins may rule the dance floor and beading may have overtaken Tom Ford's runway to gorgeous effect, embroidery is the stunning go-between that we're planning on adding to our closets asap. See the reasons we fell in love with the embroidery trend, via the runway looks below from both recent spring and fall shows. And keep your eye out for flowing patterns and flowering petals of thread during your next shopping trip.

A contributing writer to theFashionSpot, Marisa has penned articles and features in over a dozen online and print publications. She's worked as fashion critic and creative director for papierdoll.com, been the managing editor for Caribbean-based Ocean Style Magazine, and worked with Set Magazine, a luxury lifestyle magazine based in Zurich, as a contributing editor. She splits her time between New York, Los Angeles and her hometown as a freelance fashion and cultural copywriter, editor and journalist. You can find out more at her site marisaswanson.com and follow her on Twitter @mraswan.